Last week I gave you Four Ways to Trust God When Money is Tight. This week I want to give you four more ways, that are both inspirational and practical and one of them just may blow your mind.
1. Gain wisdom through God’s Word.
Sometimes we are just foolish when it comes to spending, borrowing, and handling our money. Debt is often the consequence, as is feeling we are under too heavy of a burden to ever repay or be financially free again. But that doesn’t mean God can’t still work in our lives, teach us lessons, and get us back on the road to financial recovery.
The Book of Proverbs is full of financial wisdom and warnings about getting into debt, living beyond your means, and going into business with someone you can’t trust. Read it and take its advice when it comes to business dealings, spending money you don’t have, and charging – or paying – excessive interest. I’ve also seen God work through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, and other resources that are available to help believers who want to start doing things right, financially. Do what it takes to become wiser and more responsible when it comes to the money God has entrusted you with.
2. Welcome the faith adventure.
Trusting God for His provision when it looks bleak is truly an adventure in faith. Yet, we have a God who is not only pleased by our faith (Hebrews 11:6), but who also loves to come through for His children (Matthew 7:9-11).
Do you know what it’s like to get an unexpected check in the mail on Monday for the exact amount of an unexpected car repair bill you receive on Tuesday? Your unforeseen financial situations don’t take God by surprise and as you trust Him and honor Him with what you have, you will continually see Him come through for you. See your “unforeseen financial situation” as the beginning of an exciting adventure God is waiting to lead you through.
My family has seen God come through for us, financially, in incredible ways through the years. In fact, each time He does, we write it down on a small piece of paper and hang it on a loop we call our “blessing ring.” At the end of each year, we read through each of those blessings and are reminded again of God’s faithfulness.
3. Practice generosity.
You heard that right. Be generous. Sometimes we think the more money we hold onto, the more we’ll have. But the opposite is true in the Kingdom of God. The more we give, the more God gives us so we can keep on giving. In Second Corinthians 9:6-11 we are told that as we give generously and cheerfully “God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (verse 8).
As you live generously toward others, Scripture promises God “will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous” (verses 10-11). Pray that God will help you be generous with what you have so you will always have money to give to those who are in need.
4. Choose contentment.
The Apostle Paul told the early Christians “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). A few sentences later in that same letter, Paul assured them “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (verse 19).
Can you be content with little if that is what God has ordained for you?There is joy in living simply, in giving things away, tossing out clutter and not collecting more, and determining to live on less. Most of us have no idea how much excess we already have and how little we really need to not only get by, but to be happy. Practice contentment and you may find your financial worries aren’t nearly what they used to be. First Timothy 6:6 assures us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (NIV).
For help with trusting God more and worrying (or striving) less, see my book, When Women Long for Rest, in which I share practical helps in my chapters “Choosing to Live a Simpler Life” and “Returning to the Joy of Simple Pleasures.” (And to further help you, financially, I slashed the price of that book this week only!)
Wow, I needed this . Thank you for your good good posts. I need more truth in my life to keep me holding onto Jesus.
TYJ 🙂 GIG
Thanks, Susan, for your comment. I appreciate you reading….:)
Hi Cindi!
I love your blogs! Your godly wisdom and insight is evident in your writings. These last 2 blogs about God providing have been extremely encouraging in reminding myself of God’s faithfulness. I have a question, how do you know when your financial struggles are due to your own fault? I am struggling to see the error of my ways. My youngest daughter has dyslexia and has to attend a private school that is extremely expensive, I strongly believe God told me to put her in this school. As a public school teacher I know the public school is not equipped to meet my daughter’s needs. But after putting her in this school I have experienced the most challenging financial situations ever. I am scared that maybe I did not hear God correctly or that this is my life until she graduates. I am trying to have faith, but it’s hard because I am tired of struggling. There is always something…my spirit is not at peace with putting her in public school, which would relieve a great majority of my financial struggle, but I strongly believe in my spirit that is not what I should do. Would you pray that God could give you revelation about my problem? I don’t have friends who I could make such a request. I know God is real. I have experienced him in ways that would not make sense to most of my friends/acquaintances. I’m tired. Very tired. And discouraged and somewhat bitter if I may be completely honest. If you would pray for me; I would greatly appreciate it. I just feel like I am doing something wrong, or not hearing God correctly or there is an unknown sin in my life ( I have confessed what I know)…Thank you for your time.
Kimberly
Kimberly, thanks for expressing your struggle. There can be many factors when we financially struggle. There are Old and New Testament principles about giving to God from the first of what we have…so the question would be are you giving or tithing to God, as an overall act of trust and acknowledgement that He is the owner of all that you have? Another question would be are you diligent to stay within a budget, not overspending or going into debt with credit? If the only struggle was adding her private education, which you clearly felt was led of the Lord, then God is not going to change His mind, or lead you in a certain direction and then abandon you. You might just be in the “valley” in which it’s dark and uncertain and you can’t see beyond tomorrow, but God has you holding on day-by-day to see how He will come through. I’ve been there. He always comes through! Yes, I will keep you in prayer, that your faith will be strong and you will continue to follow His lead and not doubt His provision and care. Thank you, again, for sharing your heart and struggle.